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Birth Control
Learn about choosing the right birth control method for you. Some examples
include the birth control pill, intrauterine device (IUD), patch, condom, or implant.
Cancer Screening
Learn more about breast cancer, colon cancer, or other types of cancer.
Vaccinations
Get vaccinations against the flu, human papillomavirus (HPV), and more.
Health Screening
Get screened for high blood pressure, diabetes, bone density for osteoporosis, and more.
Depression Screening
Depression is a common but serious illness. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. To diagnose depression,...

PFSI009
Your ob-gyn or other health care professional takes a sample of cervical cells and sends
them to a lab for testing:
• For a Pap test, the sample is tested to see if abnormal cells are present.
• For an HPV test, the sample is tested for infection with HPV types linked to cancer.
If you are younger than 21 years  You do not need screening.

If you are aged 21–29 years  Have a Pap test every 3 years.

If you are aged 30 –65 years
Have a Pap test + an HPV test (co-testing)
every 5 years (preferred) or a Pap test
alone every 3 years. 

If you are 65 years or older
...

What is chronic pelvic pain?
Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the pelvic area that lasts for 6 months or longer. Chronic pain can come and go, or it can be constant. Sometimes chronic pelvic pain follows a regular cycle. For example, it may occur during menstruation. It also can occur only at certain times, such as before or after eating, while urinating, or during sex.

What is endometrial hyperplasia?
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows too much. It is a benign (not cancer) condition. In some cases, however, it can lead to cancer of the uterus.

To achieve the best health, you need to be an active member of your health care team. One way to be involved in your health care is to prepare for and actively participate in your visits with your health care provider. This fact sheet outlines steps you can take to get the most from your health care visit.

Cervical cancer screening can find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. Screening includes the Pap test and, for some women, testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). A Pap test used to be recommended for most women every year. However, this recommendation has changed recently. Most women do not need to have cervical cancer screening each year.

What is the difference between outpatient surgery and inpatient surgery?
Outpatient surgery, also called ambulatory or same–day surgery, does not require an overnight stay in the hospital, meaning that you can go home the same day if your condition is stable. You will need someone to drive you home. Outpatient surgery may be done in a hospital, health care provider's office, surgical center, or clinic. Inpatient surgery takes place in a hospital and requires an overnight stay.

Gynecologic Problems
What is vulvodynia? What does vulvodynia feel like? What are some of the possible causes of vulvodynia? How is vulvodynia evaluated? How is vulvodynia treated? What are some steps that I can take to help with my pain? What medications are used to treat vulvodynia? Can physical therapy help with vulvodynia? What is trigger point therapy? Can a nerve block help relieve pain? What is cognitive behavioral therapy? When is surgery recommended for vulvodynia? Glossary
What is vulvodynia? The external female genital are...

When should I have my first gynecologic visit?
An obstetrician–gynecologist (ob–gyn) is a doctor who specializes in the health care of women. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years.